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Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Mineral Makeup: Is It Really All Natural

By Marilyn Etzel

Why is mineral makeup all the rage? The ingredients in mineral cosmetics provide a sheer look to the skin that is not heavy like your auntie's old makeup. Some mineral makeup contains natural and not so natural ingredients.

Read the ingredient list of the mineral makeup products on the market. Some have added fillers to their formulas. The fillers make up a larger portion of the cosmetics than the minerals do. Know what you are getting before you make a purchase.

The good stuff in mineral makeup not only keeps you looking natural but adds to the health of the skin. As such, your makeup won't harm your face. Here is a list of some of that good stuff.

1. Mica - You'll see this ingredient in most mineral preparations. Mica has many forms, the most common of which is serecite mica. This mineral helps the other components to adhere to your face where they are supposed to stay and stay nicely. Mica also uses the reflection of the light to hide wrinkles, large pores, and lines.

2. Titanium Dioxide - Do you have skin imperfections that you want to hide? You'll be glad that your mineral cosmetics contain titanium dioxide. This mineral provides a natural matte finish to your skin and also brighteners to simulate the natural glow of healthy skin. As with mica, titanium dioxide reflects light to conceal large pores and fine lines. You will gain sun protection with this mineral that is also found in commercial sunscreen products. For extra coverage, apply sunscreen to your skin before your makeup.

3. Zinc Oxide - You don't have to streak it down your nose or across your cheeks like beach folk. Zinc is a healthy mineral that helps to heal the body. Along with titanium dioxide, it provides a measure of sun protection even when wet.

4. Iron Oxides - We want natural makeup but a little color doesn't hurt things. Iron oxide comes in a variety of pigments. These colors can be used in subtle measure to shade foundations for all skin types. Brighter pigments are useful for eye shadows and blush.

5. Silica - Oily skin is a problem for many people. Silica adds a silky finish to the skin as well as sopping up excess skin oil that can make your face shine. The powdered silica reduces the appearance of pores and those fine lines we wish were finer and less visible.

6. Boron nitride - Like silica, boron nitride absorbs excess oil so your face won't shine like you've been sweating. Instead, your skin will glow.

Some mineral cosmetics can be far from natural. For sensitive or dry skin, wholesome ingredients are important to avoid skin problems. Some manufacturers add kaolin clay or rice powder. They absorb oil and shine but can irritate sensitive skin.

Everyone's skin is unique, just because something is natural doesn't mean it's right of every skin type. The best remedy is to test different formulations to learn which ingredients suit your skin best!

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